Some Tile Must Be Removed For Bathroom Wall Repairs

Q-A portion of the wall around our bathtub faucet has become warped and unsightly. The wall is covered with ceramic tiles. How can I remove the tiles to repair the wall?

A-Ruining at least one tile is usually necessary so that surrounding tiles can be pried loose. The first step is to try to find replacement tiles of the same color and size. If you`re lucky, some extra tiles will be tucked away in the garage, attic or other storage spaces of the home, or a nearby tile dealer can supply spares.

To remove the first tile-best located in the center of the damaged area-cut out the grout around it with a grout saw, sold at ceramic-tile dealers, or use a small, sharp chisel. Wear goggles to protect the eyes. When the grout is removed, hit the tile in the center with a hammer to break it. If the tile resists breaking, cut an X from corner to corner with a glass cutter and hit the tile again with the hammer. When the tile breaks, chisel or pry out the pieces, working from the center of the tile rather than the edges. Once the first tile is out, surrounding tiles can often be pried loose with a putty knife, although some may crack while being removed.

Enough tiles should be removed to expose a section of wall extending from one wall stud to another, usually 16 inches. The damaged wall section, which may have warped because of a leak around the faucet or in the pipes behind it, should then be cut out.

If possible, cut out the wallboard or plaster to the center of the stud on each side; otherwise, cut to the inside edges of the studs and nail short lengths of 2-by-4 to the sides of the studs to provide a nailing surface for new wallboard.

Fix any plumbing leaks before proceeding, and use a moisture-resistant type of wallboard such as Wonder Board or Dens-Shield to repair the wall. If there are enough new replacement tiles, use them to fill the gap. Undamaged old tiles can be salvaged if adhesive or mortar is removed from the backs. Adhesive can sometimes be softened with mineral spirits (paint thinner) and scraped off. The only way to remove mortar is by careful chipping and sanding. If no matching replacement tiles are available, contrasting tiles can be spotted here and there in ceramic-tile walls with good effect. New ceramic tiles can also be installed over the old tiles, or a fiberglass tub-recess liner can be installed over old ceramic tiles.